Category: Stories of Hope

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Pet Cancer Treatment

Mokey’s story: A cat’s journey through basal cell carcinoma

Prairie Smallwood  |  November 16, 2020

You hear it a lot: “We never expected it.” “It came out of nowhere.” “Of anyone I’d expect to get sick, it wouldn’t be _____.” Whether you’ve had a close, intense brush with cancer or you just know someone who knows someone battling it, you’ve likely heard the shock that often accompanies the diagnosis. This […]

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Pet Cancer Treatment

Elbee celebrates five years cancer-free with the help of a novel treatment.

Lauren Mingus  |  September 17, 2020

Five years cancer-free. It’s a milestone for all cancer patients, but especially for our canine friends. While survival rates vary based on many factors, including the type of cancer and treatment, considering a dog’s lifespan, five years is cause for celebration. Last month, Flint Animal Cancer Center patient, Elbee, a sweet, shy border collie, celebrated […]

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Pet Cancer Treatment

In Memory of Lily, Six-Year Feline Lymphoma Survivor

Wendy Kruger  |  June 17, 2020

Guest Post Written by Wendy Kruger Lily was one of those “too good to be true” cats. Adopted in 2001 as a kitten, she was a birthday present for my six-year-old daughter, Anna. A child’s pet has to be patient, and Lily was. She was sweet and submissive – always one to please. She would […]

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One Cure Clinical Trials

Duke and Family Celebrate Two Years After Canine Osteosarcoma Diagnosis

Lauren Mingus  |  March 6, 2020

Update At his February 26 recheck appointment, Duke and his family received some great news:  His latest round of follow up X-rays showed “no evidence of pulmonary metastasis.” For a cancer that spreads to the lungs in 80% of cases, the results were a huge relief. “I’m so anxious before each recheck,” said Heidi, Duke’s human mom. […]

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Pet Cancer Treatment

Sherpa Overcomes Canine Osteosarcoma to Climb Mountains Once Again

Lauren Mingus  |  February 11, 2020

Often, the first thing people notice about Sherpa is her heart-shaped nose, an advertisement for her friendly nature. After a joyful and sometimes slobbery greeting, they realize she has three legs. The 8-year-old Saint Bernard was born with a cleft lip and palate, and the reconstructive surgery soon after birth resulted in her unique muzzle. […]

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One Cure Clinical Trials

Yogi Beats Canine Lymphoma With The Help Of A One Cure Clinical Trial

Lauren Mingus  |  December 3, 2019

The runt of his litter, Yogi, has never let his size determine his destiny. “He doesn’t know he’s only 12 pounds,” said Yogi’s owner, Sharon. “There isn’t a dog or a person he won’t talk to; he’s just so friendly.” Yogi, the happiest Yorkshire terrier you’ll ever meet, joined his forever family, including mom, Sharon, […]

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One Cure Clinical Trials

Facing Cancer Together

Lauren Mingus  |  June 20, 2019

When Connie’s cherished, five-year-old mastiff and French hound mix, Leo, suddenly stopped eating, she had no idea it was the start of a series of events that would change their lives. “I’d been going through some medical testing, and I thought maybe Leo could sense my concern,” said Connie. “I thought he was just worried […]

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One Cure Clinical Trials

Hemangiosarcoma Clinical Trial Extends Gimpy’s Lucky Streak

Lauren Mingus  |  June 6, 2019

Some call it luck; others call it fate. Whatever it is, Gimpy’s life has featured a series of fortunate events, starting at birth. In 2010, a woman brought her dog into a local veterinarian to help deliver a litter.  After delivery, it was immediately apparent that something was wrong with the hind legs of one […]

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Pet Cancer Treatment

Nasal Osteosarcoma Patient Lives Purrfectly Ever After Cancer

Lauren Mingus  |  March 21, 2019

We all love a good story, especially one that involves a princess. But like most fairy “tails,” this story includes some hardships along the way to a happy ending. Zoey was born in foster care to a pregnant stray – a sleek, black mama cat. Once she was old enough, Zoey (who was named Snow […]

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One Cure Clinical Trials

Littermates Annie And Ollie Race Again, But This Time For A Cure

Lauren Mingus  |  December 1, 2018

From the moment Kim Thomsen first met greyhounds, she was hooked. “My husband, Pat, and I had just lost our first dog together, a basenji, from lymphoma,” said Kim. “A month later, Pat was mobilized by the Army Reserve and moved away,” said Kim. “I was pretty sad and a bit lonely when I stopped […]

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Our Team

FACC Oncology Technician Shares Her Personal Pet Cancer Story

Kris Ibis  |  November 15, 2018

I’d like to think my career as an oncology technician at the Flint Animal Cancer Center has prepared me for my own dogs’ cancer stories. I’d love to believe that I’ve been able to think through the entire process in a rational and cerebral manner, never waffling through decision-making, only entertaining realistic thoughts, and certainly […]